Category 1 Vs Category 2: 3 Point Hitch

Tractors of all sizes need a 3-point hitch to properly attach the many implements and accessories used for various jobs.

That’s why there has always been a Category 1 vs Category 2: 3 Point Hitch debate. 

These two are the most used 3-point hitches currently.

So, it is indeed a bit technical to decide which hitch to use and what benefits they offer.

In this article, we will help you decide in this regard considering the typical implements, weight capacity, dimension category, tractor horsepower, etc.

Category 1 Vs Category 2 3 Point Hitch:

To draw a comparison in this regard, we can draw a general comparison.

The usual capacity and dimensions of the two types of hitches give a clear picture of them.

Note: The weight limit is an estimate taken for reasons of comparison.

So, real capabilities might differ depending on the tractor.

Category	Tractor Drawer Bar	Mast Height	Lift Arm Spacing	Diameter of Lift Arm Pin	Diameter of Top Link Pin
Category 1	<20-45 hp (<15-35 kW)	15 inches	26 inches	7/8 inch	¾ inch
Category 2	<40-100 hp (<30-75 kW)	15-24 inches	32 inches	1-1/8 inches	1 inch

What is a Three Point Hitch?

When it comes to connecting implements or implement parts to the back of tractors, we need three-point hitches.

In fact, the most frequent method here is to use a three-point hitch. 

Let’s put it simply, as the name suggests, a 3-point hitch has three different points of contact.

A 3-point hitch allows the trailer to be coupled to the tractor via three different points of contact.

To give examples, it is possible to name at least a dozen here.

However, among the popular picks, plows, mowers, or harrows are the most ideal examples.

These make utilization three-point hitches. 

The formation of a triangle by the three points hitches is the only thing that set them aside compared to other types of hitches.

With respect to the tractor, the attachment shall always be in a stable position.

The triangle just ensures stability way better than many other hitches available in the market.

The Working Process Of A Three-Point Hitch:

Attaches to the rare:

A three-point hitch attaches to the tractor rare.

But the significant thing here is how it attaches there; the attachment is permanent in nature and safe.

The hitch comprises a top link in addition to the two lift arms that are attached to it.

The hydraulic system of the tractor is responsible for controlling the lift arms.

The arms and the entire fixed implement get the needed vertical movement due to this amazing hydraulic system.

The top link:

The top link balances the fluctuating positions of the implements.

It always remains in the same vertical plane as the link keeps it lowering or elevating at all times.

One can even adjust the length of the top link!

So, if you want to keep it inclined or level, you can simply adjust it and achieve your desired requirement.

Holes:

Holes, which correspond to pins on the tools, sit on the top link and lift arm ends in each category of 3-point hitches.

There is an overwhelmingly amazing benefit of this simple feature. It allows you to fast-track the shift of the implements.

So, “attachment and detachment with relative” ease is something you need, don’t you?

The diameters of the pins and holes likewise grow with each subsequent type of 3-point hitch that is available.

Since all tractors have a different size 3-point hitch, each tractor can only use a certain class of implement.

Category 1 Vs Category 2: Three Point Hitch Categories

It doesn’t warrant another specific mention as you already know that you have different categories of three-point hitches.

But what difference does it make?

It makes the most noteworthy difference.

Each type of hitch will have varying sizes of hitch spacing, pin size, and specific range, though the design is the same.

The tractor horsepower, for instance, shall match the hitch category for a functioning hitch installment.

Category 1:

Hitch receivers rated as Category 1 are suitable for tiny tractors.

The typical horsepower ranges from 20 to around 45.

So, the tiny and subcompact tractors are a match for them.

As a result, they are in fact the most common category of hitch worldwide.

Tractor Drawer Bar: 

Here you get 20-45 drawbar horsepower.

Sometimes it may extend up to 50, but not more than that. 

Lift arm spacing: 

The usual measurement is 26 inches.

But the increased rating may sometimes stand at 28 inches.

Based on this spacing, the hitch pin diameters also vary.

So, you have to keep both aspects in mind at the same time.

Hitch Pin Diameter:

A category 1 hitch offers ¾ inch in the top link pin.

While the diameter of the lift arm is roughly 7/8 inches.

It may vary a little based on the manufacturer.

So, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guide in this regard.

The mast height:

The vertical distance between the hole in which the top link fits and the lift arm pins centers is the mast height.

This distance is usually 15 inches for a category 1 hitch.

Sometimes, the measurement is given in centimeters.

Limited Category 1:

This subcategory of a standard category 1 hitch is something that you will see on even smaller subcompact tractors.

There is no difference in the mounting dimensions between a limited category 1 hitch and a conventional category 1 hitch.

Rather the tractor itself makes the difference.

The amount of lifting arm motion it has and the ground clearance it offers matter here.

It is possible that a restricted cat 1 hitch will compromise the function of the tractor. 

It may not be able to lift certain implements adequately in order for them to function successfully.

Category 2:

The deal here is the gravity of the equipment you want to pull.

In case you have to deal with heavier equipment, you need high-capacity tractors.

So, conventionally they have this category 2 hitches.

Tractor Drawer Bar: 

Here you get 40-100 drawbar horsepower conventionally.

But sometimes up to 125 hp horsepower has been recorded by some manufacturers.

Lift arm spacing: 

The general arm spacing for a category 2 hitch is 32 inches.

However, unlike category one, we haven’t really noticed any hitch here with any sort of extended arm spacing. 

Hitch Pin Diameter:

1 inch is what you get in the top link pin of a category 2 hitch.

On the other hand, the diameter of the lift arm is roughly 1-1/8 inches.

It may also vary a little based on the manufacturer.

Here, following the manufacturer’s manual will help you.

The mast height:

The distance is usually 15-24 inches for a category 2 hitch.

So, in all departments, there is an implication that the hitch can pull off heavy-duty tasks.

Final decision:

First off, be careful to take into account the capabilities of the tractor itself, rather than only trying to fulfill the size requirements of the category.

Categorically, category 1 implements don’t always fit with a category 1 hitch.

Before freaking out, know the reasons!

The weight and overall compactness of the tractor.

Take a Bolen tractor, for instance, which cannot handle a 6′ category 1 hitch.

The hitch approximately has a weight of over 300 lbs.

Yes, the heavy-duty rear blade is that heavy!

So, something that weighs around 200 lbs. like the “5′-category” 1 will do a great job here. 

If you take a similar example in terms of a trailer, the capability of the tractor matters the most.

Just matching up the category won’t do any good.

It can rather lead to damage to both the tractor and the hitch.

Bolens G152, take, for example, can go fine with a 4′ tiller.

The tiller will be a medium-duty one and will work just fine.

But if you put something bigger here, you will be in trouble with compromised triller capacity.

But what about a John Deere 2025r? Well, now you can easily attach a 5′ or 6′ tillers.

It can handle that much weight without any trouble. 

However, you can use bushings or change the pin to modify a category 1 hitch.

This way you can secure the ideal diameter and use it in place of a category 2 hitch.

FAQs about Category 1 vs Category 2: 3 Point Hitch:

Conclusion:

Now we’ve examined the factors that classify a Category 1 vs Category 2: 3 Point Hitch debate.

You can simply assess the dimensions of your implements and calculate the appropriate three-point hitch class.